"TESOL IS BORN. After months of planning by an ad hoc committee representing the five cooperating organizations, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) was created as a permanent association at a business meeting held in the Statler-Hilton Hotel, New York City, in the afternoon of Friday, March 18, 1966." Published in TESOL Newsletter 1, June 1966

TESOL at 50!

Through the rest of 2015 and all of 2016 TESOL will be reflecting on the past 50 years as well as looking forward to what the future holds for the profession. TESOL’s 50th Anniversary Committee has created opportunities to recognize outstanding English language professionals in the field.

• The 50 at 50 list recognizes 50 individuals who have contributed significantly to the profession.
• The 30 Up and Coming list recognizes future leaders of the profession.
• TESOL Success Stories seeks to share the impact that ESOL teachers have had on students in all parts of the world.

You can nominate outstanding colleagues and share success stories on TESOL’s recently launched 50th Anniversary website. The website will showcase these individuals and stories. It also includes an interactive timeline where members can share milestones in the history of the association. Additionally, each month the site will feature a TESOL affiliate, sharing the affiliate’s story as part of the TESOL family.
 
Celebrate at the 2016 TESOL Convention & English Language Expo

The big celebration will take place during the first week of April 2016 at the TESOL Convention & English Language Expo in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. In addition to the great learning and networking opportunities at the convention, TESOL will host special 50th Anniversary activities, including a few surprises. TESOL will also publish a commemorative book and recognize the five founding associations. The celebration will close with a big block party honoring the association, the field, and English language teaching professionals around the world.